Crisis Media Training

The temptation is to say as little as possible when disaster strikes, because you are rarely in possession of the full facts. But if you allow an information vacuum, media speculation may make the situation far more critical, particularly when it appears to be a big story. It is vital to create the agenda, not follow it—’no comment’ suggests you are not in control and things must be even worse than they appear. Even a smaller story can reverborate or go viral if your response is seen to be wanting, or nobody is prepared to defend the company’s position.

Be prepared; don’t wait for it to happen!

Call us now to talk through your options 020 8746 1634

What you will learn on our crisis media training courses:

Media behaviour in a crisis

Preventing an ‘information vacuum’

Requirements of broadcast vs. print media

How much you need to say

Role of social media in a crisis

Monitoring and responding to what’s being said

Devising an appropriate media statement

Dealing with aggressive and tough questioning.

We run two types of crisis media course.

‘Major Incident’ Crisis Media Handling

For example where your organisation needs to be prepared in case of an incident such as a food poisoning outbreak, critical data loss, chemical spillage, etc. This will include on-the-spot ‘doorstep’ TV interviews.

‘Reputational Issue’ Crisis Media Handling

Where your issues are unlikely to have the TV crews camping out on your doorstep, but which nonetheless have the potential to damage the business and its standing. This session focuses more on getting your message across under pressure, and techniques for handling awkward reporters who are looking for a bad news story.

Tom and Media Training Associates provided an excellent service for a group of multi-national executives. He provided tailored insight and excellent feedback that received comprehensive approval and requests for ongoing training from all participants.”

What sets Media Training Associates apart is that our support doesn’t end when the course finishes. All participants get access to our unique client area, with a whole library of follow-up tips and articles, and a workbook which acts as your personalised ‘interview preparation kit’. Our aim is to give you ‘complete media confidence’ on a continuing basis.

What is Media Training?

Request a copy of our report on ‘Making the Business Case for Media Training’.

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Media Training Associates is based in London but we can run courses in Britain or overseas, in small groups or one-on-one. Our clients range from leading banks and insurance companies to law firms, manufacturing businesses and charities.

Our trainers have had experience working for BBC's 'Newsnight' and 'The Money Programme', ITN, and leading national newspapers and magazines.

The M Factor: Media Confidence for Business Leaders and Managers, by course director Tom Maddocks, is recognised as the UK's leading media training handbook. Visit the official book website for further details.

"If you want to understand how to get the media on-side, in good times or bad, this book is a good place to start" ~ Sir Stuart Rose, former chairman and chief executive of Marks & Spencer plc.